Billionaire's match novel

Chapter 26 It was Khloe's first time facing such a high - stakes crowd , and no matter how hard she tried to steady herself , nerves clawed at her insides . " Who is she ? Shouldn't Ethan or Clarice be representing Marrison Group ? " " Haven't you heard ? She's Niel's illegitimate daughter . Word is she lucked into a fortune worth hundreds of billions . " " Have the Morrison family lost their minds ? What does she know about business ? Letting her give a speech is a joke . " " Looks like Morrison Group is in chaos . An unqualified outsider as the heir ... they're finished .

" " Look at her , all dolled up like she's treating this place as a runway show . " 11 Whispers swirled through the hall , growing louder and more brazen . Khloe stood frozen before the microphone , her mind a blank slate , her hands stiff at her sides . Then , a single , sharp sound cut through the murmur - firm , deliberate applause . It was Michael . He led the clapping , and a handful of others , seeing his cue reluctantly joined in . The scattered , hesitant applause was enough to jolt Khloe back to herself .

She forced her nerves into check and glanced toward the teleprompter for her opening line . The screen was completely blank . Her heart sank . Someone had sabotaged it . They had set a trap for her , hoping she would fail spectacularly in front of everyone . As the brief applause died , a heavy silence reclaimed the hall . Khloe took a steadying breath and , without missing another beat , launched into a flawless , confident opening in Celosian . Her accent was crisp , her tone assured . Within seconds , the whispers ceased entirely .

Whoever tried to humiliate her clearly hadn't done their homework . Khloe had a degree in finance , a field demanding not just analytical skill but superior communication . Her command of Celosian was excellent ; her ability to think on her feet was even better . Back in university , she had won first place in English impromptu speaking competitions year after year , often focusing on business case analyses . She hardly needed a script - with a solid structure and a dose of confidence , she could command a room with ease .

While previous speakers had relied on translators , Khloe left hers sitting idle . Watching her , Michael finally released the breath he'd been holding . For five straight minutes , she spoke - fluent , poised , and lacing her points with sharp , quiet wit . She never stumbled , her delivery a masterclass in clarity , professionalism , and engaging charm . When she concluded , the hall was silent for a single , suspended moment . Then , applause erupted . This time , it was thunderous - a genuine , rolling wave of approval as the audience cheered her on .

1/25 Clator 20 +25 Bonus Who would have thought ? The young woman they had dismissed was a hidden ace . Perhaps they had judged too quickly . After all , would a titan like Niel Morrison have entrusted his legacy to just anyone ? Khloe offered a graceful bow , thanked the audience , and stepped down from the stage . Her heart was still hammering against her ribs , but the exhilaration was unlike anything she'd ever felt . Throughout the speech , she had replayed Nick's livestream in her mind - his commanding rhythm , the effortless authority in his words .

She hadn't understood every detail , but his unwavering gaze and powerful presence had left a deep impression . She had channeled that same energy . And it had worked . " Khloe , you completely surprised me , " Michael admitted afterward . He knew she had a finance background , but her eloquence and composure far exceeded his expectations . She hadn't even glanced at her prepared notes . Khloe offered a wry smile and told him about the sabotaged teleprompter . Michael's frown was slight , his calm more profound than she had anticipated . " That's my oversight .

I didn't expect such cheap tricks here . " " Was it Clarice ? " Khloe asked immediately . " That's hard to say . " Michael was deliberately cautious . He had no love for Clarice , but he wouldn't name names without proof . No need to add to Khloe's burdens prematurely . Still , one thing was now certain : more than a few people had their sights set on Khloe . When the formal program concluded , the banquet officially began . Michael and Khloe were seated at different tables . He tried lo escort her , but was intercepted by an acquaintance along the way . Khloe waved him off .

It was just dinner , and the tables were clearly marked . She could find her own seat . Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.